The 45-year-old Westwood, who took charge as Punjab FC head coach in July, said his team has the balance of youth and experienced players to make a challenge for the I-League title.

Ashley Westwood had three fantastic seasons with Bengaluru FC. The former Aston Villa footballer guided Bengaluru to two I-League crowns

The midfield duo of Niroshan Mani and Amoes signed one-year contracts with the club coached by former Manchester United player Ashley Westwood.

Meanwhile, JSW Sports has signed three Bangalore boys --Kutty Mani, Don Bosco Andrew and Vishal Kumar.

Ashley Westwood, who started his career as a trainee at the Manchester United Academy in the mid 90s, has been appointed coach of Jindal Sport's newly-owned Bangalore-based club for the upcoming I-League season.